Every so often, a politician says the quiet part out loud — and this week, it was Democratic Minority Whip Katherine Clark. During an interview with Fox News, Clark admitted that the suffering American families endure during the government shutdown is being used as leverage by Democrats. Her words: “It is one of the few leverage times we have.”
That’s right. The party that claims to “fight for working families” is openly admitting they’re willing to use those same families as bargaining chips. Meanwhile, paychecks for active-duty military, border agents, and federal workers hang in the balance — all so Democrats can try to score political points against a newly elected Republican majority.
Elections Have Consequences
Let’s be clear: elections have consequences. The American people went to the polls and voted for a Republican-controlled House and Senate because they wanted a course correction — less spending, more accountability, and some sanity in Washington.
But instead of respecting that outcome, Democratic leaders are throwing a political tantrum. They’ve blocked Republican funding bills not once, not twice, but repeatedly — even when those bills included pay for the troops and essential federal employees. Apparently, “democracy” only counts when Democrats win.
The “Leverage” Logic That Hurts Working Families
Think about that word — leverage. It’s a term you’d expect to hear in a boardroom, not from elected officials talking about Americans who can’t pay rent because their government paycheck hasn’t arrived. When Clark and her colleagues say “leverage,” they mean real people’s pain — service members, air traffic controllers, border agents, and law enforcement officers who show up to protect this country even when their checks don’t.
Democrats are using those same Americans as pawns, all while claiming the moral high ground. It’s political theater at its worst — and hardworking citizens are stuck paying the ticket price.
Fetterman Breaks Rank — And Brings Common Sense
Senator John Fetterman — lately known for breaking with his party — sees the problem. Fetterman said plainly that he’ll “always vote to pay the military over the party.” It’s rare to hear a Democrat choose country over politics, but at least someone on that side of the aisle remembers what duty looks like.
The Double Standard on Display
Let’s not forget: when Republicans even hinted at delaying a spending bill in the past, Democrats and their media allies screamed about “holding the government hostage.” But now, with Democrats using a shutdown as political leverage? Crickets. Apparently, it’s only a “crisis” when Republicans do it.
And while ordinary Americans are tightening belts and waiting for Washington to wake up, lawmakers are still getting paid. Maybe if Congress missed a few paychecks of their own, “leverage” would suddenly feel a lot less appealing.
What This Shutdown Really Reveals
The shutdown fight isn’t just about numbers on a budget spreadsheet — it’s about priorities. Republicans are trying to fund the government responsibly, pay our troops, and keep essential services running. Democrats, on the other hand, are focused on using the pain of the American people to “negotiate.”
It’s a clear message: when power is on the line, your paycheck is just another tool in the political toolbox.
Time to Stop the Games
If Democrats really cared about working Americans, they’d stop blocking clean funding bills and stop treating the military like bargaining chips. Republicans have given them chance after chance to do the right thing. Instead, Democrats are doubling down on the idea that pain equals power — and it’s shameful.
This shutdown isn’t about principle anymore. It’s about pride, politics, and preserving control. The American people deserve better than being used as “leverage.”
Editor’s Note: This article reflects the opinion of the author.
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That’s why Trump won!! We the People were already in Pain with the Biden Administration!
This is also why the Democrats cannot not be in Power! They are abusive leaders just like a Socialist or Communist regime would do to its people when they want their way! I land this shut down right on the Democrat leadership. “We the People” have been called every name in their play book and LEVEAGE is the worst!! I hope every one of these leaders are voted out as soon as their constituents can do it!! GET IT THEY DO NOT CARE ABOUT US JUST THEMSELVES AND POWER.
DO NOT GIVE IT TO THEM! IT POWER TO THE PEOPLE THAT IS WHY OUR CONSTITUTION WAS WRITTEN!
NOW THEY ARE OK WITH THE “LEVERAGE” TO STRAVE PEOPLE BY NOT GIVING THEM FOOD STAMPS.
NOW THEY ARE OK WITH THE “LEVERAGE” TO NOT PAY MILITARY OUR NATIONAL SECURITY!
THESE LUNATICS ON THE LEFT HAVE TO GO!! VOTE THEM THE HELL OFF THE PLANET.
Democrats are hurting the people they think are going to vote for them. The people are fed up with democrats and their hunger for power and control and they are losing voters faster than they can imagine and the will never return because they see their true colors. They want illegals to take over this country so they can control and have power over them. democrats think they will give mass immunity to all illegals so they will vote for them and they can stay in power for ever. democrats are losing voters faster than ever.
This makes a strong argument for declaring the entire delusionalcrat party as THE ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE and charging them all with Seditious Conspiracy! This statement by one of their own should be justification for these charges!
Being almost unfamiliar with Clark, I looked her up! One article I read stated that Joe Scarborough is her father?? Since she’s 62, and Moring Joe is only 60 this would be another case of immaculate conception I guess!?! Anyway, it is ludicrous and ignorant to say that the shutdown will cause pain for American families is “leverage” to a path the dems seem to consider as rational? Too bad that John Fetterman is the ONLY logical, rational and common-sense voice in the dem party! They have become a ship of fools with NO captain, NO rudder and NO compass!